In many communities, a set of blocks or a few discrete locations have been hot spots for years, unyielding to traditional methods of crime prevention. The Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation (BCJI) Program (part of the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Innovation Suite of programs) encourages place-based crime prevention and community revitalization strategies, which reduce crime and build community-police trust and collaboration. It brings together diverse local partners, including neighborhood residents, law enforcement, prosecutors, researchers, municipal governments, criminal justice partners, social service providers, neighborhood associations, community developers, and local businesses.

Collectively, these partners examine the varied factors contributing to crime, and they pursue community-based crime-reduction strategies grounded in data and research for sustainable crime reduction. The following case studies highlight ways that BCJI communities are applying these strategies not only to reduce crime, but to improve the quality of life and build strong connections across diverse communities.